“The Little Italy Food Hall was a project of passion and commitment. It is exciting to be recognized amongst the best projects in the country. We will continue to work hard to serve the Little Italy community and share our passion with our guests,” said Mike DiNorscia, CEO of Grain & Grit Collective.

The Little Italy Food Hall, which opened July 12, includes Ambrogio15, Mein St. Asian Kitchen, Not Not Tacos by Sam the Cooking Guy, Roast Meat & Sandwich Shop, Single Fin Kitchen and Wicked Maine Lobster. There’s also a central bar and a drink cart on the outdoor plaza. Grain & Grit also owns Carnitas’ Snack Shack and the Broken Yolk Cafés.

Several more food halls are scheduled to open around San Diego County this year making them possible contenders for the 2020 list. They include:

Pan y Sal, Barrio Logan: The historic Bread & Salt venue will soon become home to this food hall featuring vendors from South Bay and Northern Baja California. The centerpiece is a 120-seat-square-foot bakery and cooking school run by Via International’s Elisa Sabatini and Natal Hospitality. There are plans for pop-up demonstrations by regional chefs and more. 1955 Julian Ave., San Diego. breadandsaltsandiego.com

The Outpost Urban Food Hall, Poway: In fall 2019, North County’s 3LB Restaurant Group will open a two-story 21,000-square-foot food hall in Poway’s mixed-use The Outpost development. The creator of Urge gastropubs, Mason Ale Works and other hospitality properties will oversee the leasing of 14 vendor stalls and will operate some of their own concepts at the 171-seat property. 13247 Poway Road, Poway. 3localbrothers.com